Some say that in the city of Orlyn, godhood is on sale to the highest bidder. Thousands flock to the city each year, hoping for a chance at immortality. Lydia Hastings is a knowledge sorcerer, capable of extracting information from anything she touches. When she travels to Orlyn to validate the claims of the local faith, she discovers a conspiracy that could lead to a war between the world's three greatest powers. At the focal point is a prisoner who bears a striking resemblance to the long-missing leader of the pantheon she worships.

3 out of 5 stars

I did want to like it

By
Kristie
on
06-08-16

Spellmonger

Spellmonger, Book 1

By:
Terry Mancour

Narrated by:
John Lee

Length: 18 hrs and 22 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
7,746

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
7,270

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
7,251

Minalan gave up a promising career as a professional warmage to live the quiet life of a village spellmonger in the remote mountain valley of Boval. It was a peaceful, beautiful little fief, far from the dangerous feudal petty squabbles of the Five Duchies, on the world of Callidore. There were cows. Lots of cows. And cheese. For six months things went well. Then one night Minalan is forced to pick up his mageblade again to defend his adopted home from the vanguard of an army of goblins bent on a genocidal crusade against all mankind. And that was the good news.

5 out of 5 stars

Shockingly good, best book in years

By
Zer0Sum
on
05-11-17

Super Sales on Super Heroes

By:
William D. Arand

Narrated by:
Jeff Hays

Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
7,469

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
7,118

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
7,104

In a world full of super powers, Felix has a pretty crappy one. He has the ability to modify any item he owns. To upgrade anything. Sounds great on paper. Almost like a video game. Except that the amount of power it takes to actually change, modify, or upgrade anything worthwhile is beyond his abilities. With that in mind, Felix settled into a normal life. A normal job. His entire world changes when the city he lives in is taken over by a super villain. Becoming a country of one city. A city state.

4 out of 5 stars

Lot better than I thought it would be

By
Phillip hinch
on
07-08-17

Advent

Red Mage, Book 1

By:
Xander Boyce

Narrated by:
Luke Daniels

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
419

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
399

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
397

Drew Michalik was working in a top-secret facility in Washington, DC, when the Advent began. As all electronics in the world simply ceased to work, blue screens filled with information appeared before him. Drew was given access to a mana interface and a limited number of reality-altering crystals called Xatherite. Following the instructions on his vision-impairing screens, he "slotted" his Xatherite and changed his fate: He gained the ability to cast spells. Now alone in the dark, he must battle through the government bunker turned dungeon in a desperate bid for survival.

5 out of 5 stars

Kona Blend

By
Randy
on
01-10-19

Free the Darkness

King's Dark Tidings, Book 1

By:
Kel Kade

Narrated by:
Nick Podehl

Length: 16 hrs and 34 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
10,986

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
10,446

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
10,419

Raised and trained in seclusion at a secret fortress on the edge of the northern wilds of the Kingdom of Ashai, a young warrior called Rezkin is unexpectedly thrust into the outworld when a terrible battle destroys all that he knows. With no understanding of his life’s purpose and armed with masterful weapons mysteriously bestowed upon him by a dead king, Rezkin must travel across Ashai to find the one man who may hold the clues to his very existence.

2 out of 5 stars

What the heck people?

By
Mbot
on
03-12-17

Summoner

By:
Eric Vall

Narrated by:
Joshua Story

Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
300

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
278

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
278

Gryff never knew he was the most powerful summoner in the world until a rogue monster attacked his village. Now he's been recruited into the top magical academy, beautiful women are breaking down his dorm-room door, and the headmaster has big, big plans for him. Instead of summoners being maligned by society, Gryff is in a position to make them revered and honored.

5 out of 5 stars

omg

By
trevor
on
01-11-19

Forging Divinity

The War of Broken Mirrors, Book 1

By:
Andrew Rowe

Narrated by:
Nick Podehl

Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,581

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,434

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,428

Some say that in the city of Orlyn, godhood is on sale to the highest bidder. Thousands flock to the city each year, hoping for a chance at immortality. Lydia Hastings is a knowledge sorcerer, capable of extracting information from anything she touches. When she travels to Orlyn to validate the claims of the local faith, she discovers a conspiracy that could lead to a war between the world's three greatest powers. At the focal point is a prisoner who bears a striking resemblance to the long-missing leader of the pantheon she worships.

3 out of 5 stars

I did want to like it

By
Kristie
on
06-08-16

Spellmonger

Spellmonger, Book 1

By:
Terry Mancour

Narrated by:
John Lee

Length: 18 hrs and 22 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
7,746

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
7,270

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
7,251

Minalan gave up a promising career as a professional warmage to live the quiet life of a village spellmonger in the remote mountain valley of Boval. It was a peaceful, beautiful little fief, far from the dangerous feudal petty squabbles of the Five Duchies, on the world of Callidore. There were cows. Lots of cows. And cheese. For six months things went well. Then one night Minalan is forced to pick up his mageblade again to defend his adopted home from the vanguard of an army of goblins bent on a genocidal crusade against all mankind. And that was the good news.

5 out of 5 stars

Shockingly good, best book in years

By
Zer0Sum
on
05-11-17

Super Sales on Super Heroes

By:
William D. Arand

Narrated by:
Jeff Hays

Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
7,469

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
7,118

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
7,104

In a world full of super powers, Felix has a pretty crappy one. He has the ability to modify any item he owns. To upgrade anything. Sounds great on paper. Almost like a video game. Except that the amount of power it takes to actually change, modify, or upgrade anything worthwhile is beyond his abilities. With that in mind, Felix settled into a normal life. A normal job. His entire world changes when the city he lives in is taken over by a super villain. Becoming a country of one city. A city state.

4 out of 5 stars

Lot better than I thought it would be

By
Phillip hinch
on
07-08-17

Advent

Red Mage, Book 1

By:
Xander Boyce

Narrated by:
Luke Daniels

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
419

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
399

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
397

Drew Michalik was working in a top-secret facility in Washington, DC, when the Advent began. As all electronics in the world simply ceased to work, blue screens filled with information appeared before him. Drew was given access to a mana interface and a limited number of reality-altering crystals called Xatherite. Following the instructions on his vision-impairing screens, he "slotted" his Xatherite and changed his fate: He gained the ability to cast spells. Now alone in the dark, he must battle through the government bunker turned dungeon in a desperate bid for survival.

5 out of 5 stars

Kona Blend

By
Randy
on
01-10-19

Free the Darkness

King's Dark Tidings, Book 1

By:
Kel Kade

Narrated by:
Nick Podehl

Length: 16 hrs and 34 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
10,986

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
10,446

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
10,419

Raised and trained in seclusion at a secret fortress on the edge of the northern wilds of the Kingdom of Ashai, a young warrior called Rezkin is unexpectedly thrust into the outworld when a terrible battle destroys all that he knows. With no understanding of his life’s purpose and armed with masterful weapons mysteriously bestowed upon him by a dead king, Rezkin must travel across Ashai to find the one man who may hold the clues to his very existence.

2 out of 5 stars

What the heck people?

By
Mbot
on
03-12-17

Summoner

By:
Eric Vall

Narrated by:
Joshua Story

Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
300

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
278

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
278

Gryff never knew he was the most powerful summoner in the world until a rogue monster attacked his village. Now he's been recruited into the top magical academy, beautiful women are breaking down his dorm-room door, and the headmaster has big, big plans for him. Instead of summoners being maligned by society, Gryff is in a position to make them revered and honored.

5 out of 5 stars

omg

By
trevor
on
01-11-19

A Warrior's Path

The Castes and the OutCastes Book 1

By:
Davis Ashura

Narrated by:
Nick Podehl

Length: 17 hrs and 11 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
4,908

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
4,604

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
4,587

Sweeping from the majestic city of Ashoka to the perilous Wildness beyond her borders, enter a world where Caste determines mystical Talents, the purity of Jivatma expresses worth, and dharma may be based on a lie.Rukh Shektan has always understood duty. As a member of Caste Kumma, the warrior Caste, nothing else is acceptable. He is expected to take part in the deadly Trials, to journey the Wildness and protect the caravans linking Humanity's far-flung cities. Though the mission is dangerous, Rukh's hope and optimism are undaunted. Karma, however, is a fickle fiend.

5 out of 5 stars

Great book and promising start to a new series.

By
Lawrence
on
09-18-15

Rapture

Apocalypse Gates Author's Cut, Book 1

By:
Daniel Schinhofen

Narrated by:
Andrea Parsneau

Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
968

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
937

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
931

Alvin woke in a room that was not his, to discover that he had died and his brain had been bargained off cheaply to pay off someone else’s debt. It did not sit well with him. It didn’t surprise him that even in death, people were still using him for their own purposes. He had never exactly been a good guy, but everyone had their breaking point, and he had found his. The bastards in charge had uploaded his mind into a virtual death game. The whole world could now pay to see him play it and probably die. Regardless, he was not about to wait for death to come for him.

5 out of 5 stars

Great twist to the game genre. I highly recommend!

By
Nicole C.
on
03-24-18

The Two Week Curse

Ten Realms, Book 1

By:
Michael Chatfield

Narrated by:
Todd Menesses

Length: 19 hrs and 47 mins

Unabridged

Overall

5 out of 5 stars
149

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
136

Story

5 out of 5 stars
136

Thrust into an unknown, unwanted situation, most would feel panic, fear anger, and fall into chaos. Erik and Rugrat are not immune to those feelings, but they have stepped into chaos so many times, it is simply a different challenge. Two weeks ago, Erik lost his legs and his arm. Today he got a message. "You have been randomly selected to join the Ten Realms. One may choose to ascend the Ten Realms, thereupon making a request to the Gods of the Realms. Only those who are Level 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 may ascend to the next realm. Fortune favors the strong!”

5 out of 5 stars

Perfection

By
charles
on
01-17-19

Fimbulwinter

Daniel Black, Book 1

By:
E. William Brown

Narrated by:
Guy Williams

Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,223

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,142

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,143

Summoned to a world in the midst of apocalypse, Daniel Black would have his hands full just staying alive. Add in refugees, desperate soldiers, scheming nobles and a pair of thoroughly wicked witches, and life is going to be very busy indeed. Good thing he has magic of his own to even the scales. But will even that be enough?

5 out of 5 stars

Alright

By
Angel Manuel Ortiz
on
06-25-16

The Land: Founding: A LitRPG Saga

Chaos Seeds, Book 1

By:
Aleron Kong

Narrated by:
Nick Podehl

Length: 9 hrs and 49 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
17,243

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
16,235

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
16,215

Tricked into a world of banished gods, demons, goblins, sprites and magic, Richter must learn to meet the perils of The Land and begin to forge his own kingdom. Actions have consequences across The Land, with powerful creatures and factions now hell-bent on Richter's destruction. Can Richter forge allegiances to survive this harsh and unforgiving world or will he fall to the dark denizens of this ancient and unforgiving realm? A tale to shake "The Land" itself, measuring 10/10 on the Richter scale, how will Richter's choices shape the future of The Land and all who reside in it?

5 out of 5 stars

Gold Standard of LITRPG

By
Rory
on
10-01-18

Dragon Seed

Archemi Online, Volume 1

By:
James Osiris Baldwin

Narrated by:
Justin Thomas James,
Jeff Hays,
Laurie Catherine Winkel

Length: 12 hrs and 38 mins

Unabridged

Overall

5 out of 5 stars
866

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
823

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
819

Before being conscripted to fight in the Total War, Private Hector Park had a shattered family, a collection of old video games, and a promising career as a motorcycle stuntman. Now, he is dying from a virus threatening humankind with extinction. He has three days to live. When Hector’s brother contacts him after years of hostile silence, Hector goes to try and make peace. But his brother has an offer even more unbelievable than reconciliation: the chance to cheat death by joining him in Archemi, a full-immersion fantasy VR-RPG video game.

5 out of 5 stars

good story, well told

By
Fievel
on
12-10-18

Skyward

By:
Brandon Sanderson

Narrated by:
Suzy Jackson

Length: 15 hrs and 28 mins

Unabridged

Overall

5 out of 5 stars
8,466

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
8,044

Story

5 out of 5 stars
8,032

From Brandon Sanderson, the number one New York Times best-selling author of the Reckoners series, Words of Radiance, and the internationally best-selling Mistborn series, comes the first book in an epic new series about a girl who dreams of becoming a pilot in a dangerous world at war for humanity's future.

4 out of 5 stars

If you like Ender's Game or Sanderson check it out

By
Kingsley
on
11-08-18

Life Reset: A LitRPG Novel

New Era Online, Book 1

By:
Shemer Kuznits

Narrated by:
Jeff Hays

Length: 24 hrs and 40 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
4,808

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
4,551

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
4,538

After being betrayed and cursed by an extremely rare spell, Oren, a powerful and influential player, finds himself as a first-level goblin! Without even a fraction of his previous power, he vows to pull through and have revenge on those who betrayed him. His thorough knowledge of the game's world and his unique ability to immerse himself entirely are his only advantages. But first, he must figure out how to survive long enough playing what is basically a low-level fodder monster!

5 out of 5 stars

All Hail Our Tiny Green Overlord!

By
HeatherY
on
11-11-17

Cephrael's Hand

A Pattern of Shadow and Light, Book 1

By:
Melissa McPhail

Narrated by:
Nick Podehl

Length: 32 hrs and 6 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
3,984

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
3,793

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
3,789

In Alorin...300 years after the genocidal Adept Wars, the realm is dying, and the blessed Adept race dies with it. One man holds the secret to reverting this decline: Bjorn van Gelderan, a dangerous and enigmatic man whose shocking betrayal three centuries past earned him a traitor's brand. It is the Adept Vestal Raine D'Lacourte's mission to learn what Bjorn knows in the hope of salvaging his race. But first he'll have to find him....

4 out of 5 stars

Great Start to a new series

By
Michael Harbison
on
09-08-16

Ritualist

Completionist Chronicles, Book 1

By:
Dakota Krout

Narrated by:
Vikas Adam

Length: 12 hrs and 6 mins

Unabridged

Overall

5 out of 5 stars
4,747

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
4,505

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
4,495

The decision to start a new life is never an easy one, but for Joe the transition was far from figurative. Becoming a permanent addition to a game world, it doesn't take long to learn that people with his abilities are actively hunted. In fact, if the wrong people gained knowledge of what he was capable of, assassins would appear in droves.

5 out of 5 stars

Ritual is necessary for us to know anything

By
Ray Johnson
on
05-18-18

Challenge

Unbound Deathlord, Book 1

By:
Edward Castle

Narrated by:
Jeff Hays

Length: 17 hrs and 54 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
3,102

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
2,916

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,910

When virtual reality becomes real enough that people feel as if they're being transported to another world, Valia Online arrives. A man running from his past joins the game to forget it all. Calling himself Jack Thorn, he chooses an undead race, Deathlord. A mage by choice, and a swordsman by necessity, he soon finds out that he'll need to use much more than magic and steel to survive; strategy, creativity, and carefully chosen words can often accomplish what simple attacks can't.

5 out of 5 stars

A new take to the typical litrpg

By
Cody
on
08-21-17

Ascend Online

Ascend Online, Book 1

By:
Luke Chmilenko

Narrated by:
Luke Daniels

Length: 17 hrs and 56 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
8,245

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
7,838

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
7,812

Diving into a revolutionary new video game, Marcus and his friends escape a stagnant society, entering into a world that defies their wildest imaginations. But from the moment that he logs in, Marcus finds himself separated from his friends and thrown into a remote village under attack by a horde of goblins. Forced into battle, Marcus rallies the beleaguered villagers and, with their help, manages to drive off the invading creatures. With the village in ruins and their supplies spoiled, the villagers turn to Marcus for help in rebuilding the village.

5 out of 5 stars

Luke Daniels and a great LITRPG; enough said

By
Don Gilbert
on
08-07-17

Publisher's Summary

Five years ago Corin Cadence's brother entered the Serpent Spire - a colossal tower with ever-shifting rooms, traps, and monsters. Those who survive the spire's trials return home with an attunement: a mark granting the bearer magical powers. According to legend, those few who reach the top of the tower will be granted a boon by the spire's goddess.

He never returned.

Now it's Corin's turn. He's headed to the top floor, on a mission to meet the goddess.

If he can survive the trials, Corin will earn an attunement, but that won't be sufficient to survive the dangers on the upper levels. For that he's going to need training, allies, and a lot of ingenuity.

The journey won't be easy, but Corin won't stop until he gets his brother back.

Very good book

Books I like.

Name of the wind seriesAnything from Brandon Sanderson The warded man seriesThe light bringer series.

I say this to you in hopes that if you liked those books you will probably like this one as well. I won't tell you about the book as it does matter what I say. Nick is a very good reader makes the book easy to listen to. Looking forward to the next book.

Couldn't make it through the whole book

Any additional comments?

I got to chapter 9 and just had to quit. (minor spoilers follow)

Let me explain the problem: The main character is the son of a noble house known specifically for their ability to fight and win in magical duels, and his parents are particularly famous for this. It should be noted that he was removed from public schooling specifically so that his father could teach him (for years) to fight in such magical duels. His family lives in a magically warded house that has a library full of books on magic, and virtually every aspect of his world is run by people who have magic abilities gained from 'atunements'. He comes off as studious, intelligent, introspective, cautious, prepared, and completely focused on one goal, going into a magical tower and participating in a coming of age type challenge, where he will fight magical creatures and overcome magical traps, to gain an atunement (granting magical abilities) and to find his brother, who disappeared 5 years ago in his own tower test. Notice how many times I used the word 'magic'?

Now, the story starts with the hero going into the tower, and moving from room to room on his quest fighting monsters and such. At this point it's pretty good, and I would probably give the story a 4 star rating. However after the first few chapters he makes his way out of the tower and gets sent to a Hogwarts style academy for new people to learn how to use their new magical powers. It is at this point made painfully clear (for the reader) that the main character knows NOTHING about how magic works. zip. zilch. nada. No understanding WHATSOEVER other than that it exists.

Now, this would make sense if our hero was a peasant from some distant village who had never had any schooling or reason to learn about magic, but, considering the character's backstory, it makes no sense at all. This would be like talking to an intelligent 18 year old whose parents are doctors, and whose whole life mission has been to also become a doctor, and when you point out that he's going to have to take an admission test says to medical school says, "words? letters? sentences? numbers? what are those? I've heard of them before, but I've never seen them. What's a scalpel? You mean the human body has organs in it?" I wouldn't expect the main character to know complex magic any more than I would expect our hypothetical 18 year old to know about dissecting a kidney, but he doesn't seem know ANYTHING about it.

The reason for this is that the author has created a very complex and detailed magic system and needs some way to explain it to the readers, but good God if he didn't pick the absolute worst way to go about it. I really wanted to like this story, but I can't get over this MASSIVE plot hole.

Oh, and the other thing is that the kid never gives any reason for why he might believe his older brother is still alive after FIVE years in the tower when it's made very clear that anyone who doesn't come out after a very short period (given the lack of food and water I'd say it lasts no more than a day) has died from some monster or trap .

Great beginning to a series

This was such a fantastic book. It took certain things I don't normally care for in a story and made them interesting and good. I like the idea of DnD style challenges and puzzles. And I absolutely love the concept of getting new powers items and abilities thus changing the fundamental capabilities of different characters. I can't wait to read more of the series and see where it all goes.

Worth a listen.

What did you love best about Sufficiently Advanced Magic?

This could easily, with a few changes fit squarely in the Lit RPG category. It is not told that way but I get the feeling the idea may have started that way with the author. that is obviously just my opinion and I could be wrong. It is a good book and I will get the next installment as soon as it comes out. There is only one thing in the whole book that irritates me, and again this is just me and may not bother anyone else. The creatures, and there are many are all called simply "monsters" throughout the book. I don't know why precisely, it just grated. Also, I think at this point I would listen to a cook book if it was narrated by Nick Podehl as he seems to only narrate stuff I like, within whatever category it resides. This is no exception.

Overall great

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The author did a great job of creating well thought out world.

My problems, which keep me from giving a 5. ** may contain slight spoilers **Corin - it is annoying how he can so scared and brave throughout the book. In addition, he wants to (has to grow stronger faster than anyone) progress but refuses to use his own mental powers. It's so frustrating. Plot line - the are many different threads that the author will probably get to but they are weaved in and out and a lot aren't answered. Characters - are all unique but don't have the greatest depth or growthPace - jumps around and gets slow at points.

Great first volume of a series

Andrew Rowe is definitely writing for me specifically. Both of his series scratch the itch that I feel for Anime/Game-inspired Hard Fantasy. The characters and plots are fun. There are some nice twists at the back end. As far as structure, it feels like each chapter is a chapter or so of a Manga, and the first book is roughly three story arcs. I dig that pacing.

Also, Nick Podehl is always a very consistent reader, and this time is no different. I look forward to more!

My brain was engaged as much as my heart in this.

1st. it probably goes without saying. Nick Podehl is an outstanding Narrator. He is the reason i decided to pick up this book and I am so glad that I did. Not only does he make the story come to life like no other, but it seems like he only reads books that have worthy content.

This book has a lot of world building, a richly thought-out magic system, and strong main characters that really feel good to root for. At the end of the book I found myself drooling with anticipation. Truly a Gem of a book. I cannot wait for the next.

Convenient Conventions and Poor Development

I got this because it was suggested by Amazon based upon my previously read books. I really wanted to like this but ... couldn't. The book starts off really interesting and full of adventure and action. The characters are interesting in the first few chapters and then, when Corin exits the first spire, the book takes a dive and never recovers. There are a few reasons that I really didn't enjoy this:

1) The relationships are really forced and feel inconsistent. For example, one character is shown to be Corin's sister and everyone is just like, "Cool. No worries." The love interest just kind of shows up and there is no real lead in to it and Corin is just like "Cool." They never really gel together. Corin's friends, who left him when he was young (they followed his mother who abandoned him as they were pledged to her) were just like "Hey dude. 'Sup?" and he was all "Cool. Good to see you. We're still great friends." The only relationship that seems to develop from anywhere is that between Corin and another girl who he treats kindly (nobles don't treat her kindly) and sees her potential (nobles don't see her potential). But even that feel like it's thrown together.

2) Corin has anxiety and social issues...when the story feels like making Corin have anxiety and social issues. The entire story is narrated from his point of view and he spends extensive amounts of time planning things, considering magic, and thinking deeply on issues, but somehow forgets to express his social anxiety and fear of being close to others or even touched unless the story really needs him to feel this to create some false tension. This seems to disappear at times, so that he can easily interact with teachers and students, and then reappears when the author decides he should feel awkward around teachers and students. It makes for a very inconsistent character.

3) The beginning of the story sets up that Corin is on a quest to free his brother (or return him to life) from the Serpent Spire. He focuses a lot on this quest in the beginning of the book but then, once he goes to school, that's about it for this quest...unless the author thinks it's necessary to bring it up for some reason. He doesn't think on this quest. It barely makes an appearance until the author realized "Oops, forgot about that. Better make Corin think of his brother real quick" but not in any kind of motivation kind of way (such as "I better work hard to better my magic so that I can rescue my brother").

4) Exposition and magical explanation....so much explanation....over and over again .... all the way through the book .... Sometimes, an author needs to explain their magic, but this shouldn't be the author's main way of presenting the magic to the reader. It's important to "show" the magic happening and have the reader discover the magic in that way too. There is WAY too little "showing" of magic and all too much "explaining and pondering" on magic. Another reader had it right when they said that it read like a D&D Manual.

As to the narrator, Podehl does a decent job with the book. It isn't anything super special, but he does do a good job of differentiating characters so you always know who is who. I think that this book doesn't give him much to work with emotion wise, but he does his best to compensate for that and add his own interpretations to it. I think were Podehl given another, better written book to narrate, I would have enjoyed him more.

I do want to say that this author has some promise and needs to continue to write so that he can grow in his skills. Perhaps, once Rowe gets through this series and begins another, he will have enough experience and honed his craft to a point where I will give him another shot. I think that if you do not demand much from a story and you just want something to pass the time, then you may enjoy this book, but if you're looking for a moving adventure or a story with any amount of depth, that won't happen here. I wish Rowe good luck and am glad for his success. It takes a lot to write a book, and he should be commended for doing so when so many are too afraid to even begin.

A cliche w/in a worn out trope w/in a derivative.

This book is basically every magic school, coming of age book ever. Magic college? check. introspective hero? painfully check. Parents out of the picture, but somehow looming? check. Female character that outperforms hero? check. Intrigue that's &quot;bigger than a student can handle?&quot; check.

If you liked any of:Harry Potter SeriesThe MagiciansThe Kingkiller Chronicle

Rowe beats a particular trope to death though. He puts the hero in danger. Hero does something to protect himself. Kind of succeeds, but then gets chewed out by teachers for having done something even more dangerous. It happens roughly once every two chapters. The &quot;teachers&quot; at his school barely teach. The entire premise of this magic school is like turning monkeys loose in a bomb factory. Give the students mountains of power, don't teach them what to do, then be super freaking surprised when they blow something up, then curse them for their ignorance. Over and over and over.

I'm not asking for reality in a fantasy book. I am trying to accept the author's premise, but if I am to do that, I'd have to believe that the entire school would have blown itself to fine powder and bone fragments by the end of the first semester.

Do not play a drinking game triggered by the words &quot;honestly boy, how could you not have known?&quot; I keep wanting to shout at the book, &quot;Maybe, because the faculty in this school is so monumentally disastrous they couldn't teach their way out of a wet paper bag!&quot; Even J.K. Rowling tried to keep &quot;first years&quot; out of the &quot;restricted section.&quot; Here, the librarians hand out matches along side of copies of the Anarchists' Cookbook. And then blame the students when things go awry.

I have a bunch of other hangups, but to be fair there are some things that redeem this book a bit. Rowe is able to capture snarky teenagers pretty well. His teenagers actually sound like you would expect. Faux-clever wordplay, shyness, angst, posturing, even distorted self-awareness. The teens sound like teens. I didn't think this would be too hard until I read Card's &quot;The Gate Thief.&quot; Rowe definitely clears the bar here.

The book also has quite a few &quot;puzzle rooms&quot; like in the computer game &quot;Myst.&quot; These can be interesting. I suppose whether or not this device is overused is up to the reader. I found them interesting.

Podehl has a strong performance. His accents and voice characterizations are well crafted.

Listen to tons of fantasy. Easily my favorite of the year

Listen to tons of fantasy. Easily my favorite of the year and possibly before that. I started reading because I like the narrator and quickly got super into this specific story and now listening to authors other books. I cannot wait until the next in this series comes out it was just sooo good.

18 of 23 people found this review helpful

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Overall

4 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Joe

08-05-17

Fun "D&D" style adventure.

I really enjoyed this. If you like coming of age stories where a protagonist has to apply problem solving to overcome difficult situations and underdog encounters then you will probably like this.

The style is a bit unique, and I can see a huge influence from D&D or similar. The majority of the "fights" are dungeon type encounters, and other puzzle rooms reminiscent of games and tabletop gaming.

I really enjoyed it, but I could see some might have issues with the pacing in the middle-end of the book.

The narrator was excellent.

17 of 18 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Amazon Customer

07-31-17

Awesome

Tower is interesting, the magic is well thought out with good rules and it keeps you on your toes. great ending to book one 1. loved it

15 of 18 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Steven Richardson

08-22-17

Amazing world building

I loved this story and was amazed by the level of detail given to the world. I could imagine this being made into a epic RPG game I would love to play.

The story was excellent and well thought out. I didn't see the final twist coming and it was very interesting.

I am looking forward to any more in this series as there is so much more to be explored in the world and the story line.

Also I though the narrator did an excellent job and made it an enjoyable listen. Hope it's not too long till the next.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

3 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Amazon Customer

01-27-18

Glad I kept going!

I regretted purchasing this book for some time as I struggled with the narrator's voice, but im.really glad I persisted. The story is excellent, a unique fantasy world and a twisting story that is well written. I even grew to... tolerate the narrator. I'm already looking for more from this writer!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Artemis

10-03-17

This Author Needs a Dictionary

To look up and learn the meaning of the word, "Appearance". I cant name the protagonist's hair colour...or anyone of the other character's hair colour. Or what they look like. Or anything else about them.

A good story. But I have only the vaguest idea of what the world looks like.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Kindle Customer

08-21-17

Loved the funny voices of the narrator, good night

I can finally have a proper sleep, it's indeed true that, it will keep you up at night and now I can't wait to start with the next one. The narrator improve the experience, making it more colorful with the different accents given to the different characters. Overall all it's a good book for teenagers, with a good vocabulary and it is amusing for both genders. I would recommend it after the works of Jk Rowling and Suzanne Collins

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Overall

4 out of 5 stars

Performance

3 out of 5 stars

Story

3 out of 5 stars

Kindle Customer

03-18-18

not too bad... well just okay... it was alright.

the magic system was unique but some times un-necessarily over powers the story. the main character's progression through the story is always underwhelmed by his mental regression so the two contanstly flip-flop back and forth which becomes tedious at times. Nick Podehl does an excellent performance but sometimes his voices don't range very well, which mixes up whose actually talking. otherwise enjoyed it and looking to what follows.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Overall

3 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

3 out of 5 stars

J. Smith

02-10-18

Very niche book

I brought this audio book after really enjoying Nick Poedhels narration of Cephraels hand. I enjoyed his voice regardless of the story.

The book itself is more like a narration of a dungeons and dragons game than a fantasy epic. The characters are unfortunately fairly typical, I didn't feel myself warming to them sadly.

The story revolves around a 17 year old in a 'magical school'. The world building and magic system are good and offer some interest but in terms of story it fell flat. The author tries desperately to draw the audience in with a number of twists, however they are so cliched that I was waiting for them to happen. I will probably buy the next part to pass the time driving to work. All in All, the story is ok, it just didn't wow me

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Overall

4 out of 5 stars

Performance

3 out of 5 stars

Story

4 out of 5 stars

Jonathan Blackwell

01-15-18

Trash fantasy but really fun

I really enjoyed this book. It was exciting and fun. You always feel as though the characters are progressing & improving in their skills, part of the reason people love playing RPGs.

It is a book I would be ashamed of telling anyone I had read mainly because the author makes it too much like an RPG. There is so much focus on “levels” & people having 48 mana that I started to cringe. More like playing Diablo 2 than reading a book in the end. I hope the sequels feel more genuine as a story and less focused on the magic system.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Overall

3 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

3 out of 5 stars

Erik Vellama

10-19-17

A computer game?

like a literacy form of a (computer) game, for people, who doesn't play themselvea. More specifically, a RPG (roleplaying game). Thus, it doesn't justify the execptionally high rating for me.

On a positivw side. Main character wasn't hero himself, he was a glue, which held group together. Emphatic guy, relatively witty and also doing smart things and acting quickly; also not a selp blaming type ("oh noes, it is all my fault!" starting with bad guys actions and ening with poverty and famine in the world).

Overally, I'd rather play a game, than listen to another part in series.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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Overall

4 out of 5 stars

Performance

4 out of 5 stars

Story

4 out of 5 stars

Daniel

08-31-17

The Name Of The Wind meets The Maze Runner

Rather than swishing a wand and having all sorts of crazy magic spring out of it, this is a world in which magic and the products of this magic are a tradeable resource, and those lucky enough to weild it will inevitably battle to weild larger amounts and more complex versions of it to improve both their wealth and standing within society. It sets up an interesting dynamic at the university, where everyone is not just concentrating on learning how to use their various types of magic, but battling to gain access to more magic than their peers.

As most young adult books tend to, this story has about 40 hours of reading/listening crammed into half of that so as to not lose the attention of the young adult reader/listener. This isn't a terrible thing, but in the end you are left wondering what might have been, had the author fleshed out some of those ideas a little. Still, not everyone is prepared to sit through 40-50 hours of listening to get through a book, and to cut some of the fringe scenes in favour of an action-packed story could be a winning combination. Reservations though I might have, I am sufficiently hooked and will be continuing on with the series.

Nick Podehl narrates the book in his own well known style. He has this elastic, cartoonish voice which means that the lead character is reminiscent of the likes of Hiccup from How To Train Your Dragon, Hiro from Big Hero Six, or even Jim Lake from Trollhunters. As a result of this, I haven't been able to shake the CGI cartoon imagery from my minds eye, and the whole story plays in my head as a computer generated, animated movie rather than a live-action one. There are worse things that could happen, and there is always a chance that I'm just a crazy person who sees weird things.

12 of 12 people found this review helpful

Overall

4 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

3 out of 5 stars

Brenton Roberts

09-12-17

great story and charecters but .....

its a great book with a fun story but the author repeats details ALOT. i think it needs to have a bit more faith in the listeners memory for major details

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Overall

3 out of 5 stars

Performance

4 out of 5 stars

Story

3 out of 5 stars

Damien

08-30-17

Pretty good story

Like a cross between Harry Potter and The Name of the Wind, but not quite as good as either. Good story, original world and well defined magic system but the characters didn't ring true for me. Excellent narration however.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Overall

3 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

3 out of 5 stars

Dean

10-19-17

The heroic procrastinator of irrelevant things

Loved the world, Nick Podehl is one of my favorite narrators - but the MC is constantly just thinking along random trains of thought that have absolutely no relevance to the story from what i can see. Maybe the author wants to give the MC a contemplative air or something, but really its infuriating. If he did less thinking about things that he NEVER does and just acts on is intuition this book would be awesome.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Overall

3 out of 5 stars

Performance

3 out of 5 stars

Story

2 out of 5 stars

Amazon Customer

09-26-17

Bursts of entertainment

This story is very intriguing. Well, parts of it are. Unfortunately, the characters are all very dislikeable. In addition, most of the story is just exposition dumps. If I have to hear the words "I'll have to research that more later", or something along a similar vein, I will lose my mind.

The main character whines about everything. Hates physical contact, avoids people (except he doesn't), and basically just complains the whole way through.

His sister is a hypocrite. Main character gets hurt? "Don't ever do that again! You worried me!" She gets hurt? "Leave me alone corrin! It's my body I'll do what I want!" Main character has a secret with a god? "You can't keep secrets from me! I'm your sister and it affects me too!" She has a secret? "I'm allowed to have things to myself sometimes!"

The tone is also all over the place. It's a very serious story, usually told in a serious way, but just randomly tries to be funny. It's not funny, so this doesn't work. Even in the middle of major conflicts, the author tries to be funny. It is incredibly jarring and annoying.

Most of the backstory is just from people talking over and over and over in classes about things that would be cool to see in real time. I get that rules have to be established, but having someone lecture you is just not entertaining to listen to.

The book has moments that are good. There are a few fights and interactions that are awesome. Unfortunately, for every good 30 mins, there is 5 hours of exposition and grating dialogue or character thoughts that just do your head in. This story would be better told by another author.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Everett

07-27-17

Read it!

loved it.my new favourite book. read it do not wait! I love magic schools and the main character is really smart. it is so nice not to hate the protagonist ideas

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Kindle Customer

09-08-17

Spectacular

This is an absolutely amazing find for anyone who enjoys the fantasy genre, definitely reccomended

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

4 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

joel

09-04-17

Immersive worls of danger

Towers and serpents, gods and family drama, what more could you ask for in a good book.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

4 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Malin

08-20-17

Great story - awesome world and magic system

What made the experience of listening to Sufficiently Advanced Magic the most enjoyable?

The story was really engaging and exploring the world and the various attuements and powers was very interesting.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Sufficiently Advanced Magic?

The ending was great. I especially loved the twist at the end with Kerris Salarian

What about Nick Podehl’s performance did you like?

The pace of speech and tempo were great. His narration of Corrin was overall really great.

Any additional comments?

Nick Podehl's narration of female characters was honestly a little annoying. Except for Sera, most of the female leads had a grating irish accent for some reason - did not enjoy it after a while.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Anonymous User

01-21-19

Great

Awesome story, great narration, would recommend this to anyone that finds magic use and battle mages cool